September 30, 2019 – MIMAROPA Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) approved a resolution during its 3rd Quarter Meeting establishing an FM radio station at Barangay Pag-asa, Kalayaan, Palawan to assert  the country’s sovereignty and send message to other countries about Philippine Government’s presence.

Councilor Elgin Robert Damasco of Puerto Princesa City, pledged to donate radio equipment to be facilitated by the AFP Western Command for the immediate operation of the FM radio station under Radyo Bandera radio program.

DILG MIMAROPA Regional Director, Wilhelm Suyko, brought up the proposal based from his experiences in the remote areas of Tawi-Tawi, particularly in the Turtle Islands, wherein the residents there were treated daily with  radio broadcasts coming from mainland Malaysia. At present, the same scenario occurs in the islands near the West Philippine Sea wherein Chinese radio programs are heard by those who happen to be in the area.

“I believe that establishing Radio Station in the disputed areas can help strengthen our sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea”, RD Suyko added.

The proposal that was raised during the third quarter RPOC Meeting was duly supported by Palawan Governor Jose Ch. Alvarez, WesCom BGen Charton Sean Gaerlan and Acting RPOC Chairperson, BGen Tomas Apolinario of PRO MIMAROPA, saying that they will do their best efforts to promote government programs in the remote areas of the Region.

Through the radio programs, constituents from Barangay Pag-asa, Kalayaan will now be receiving news and updates regarding the situations and current issues in the region and in the country. This will also entertain the Filipino soldiers manning the West Phillipine Sea.

By: Whalee Ferrera